Kamal Ghorui
Israel has supplied the United Arab Emirates with an advanced laser-based air defence system, known as ‘Iron Beam’, as tensions escalate amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The system, designed to vapourise short-range rockets and drones, marks a major step in defence cooperation between the two countries and signals a deepening strategic partnership in West Asia.According to a report by Financial Times, Israel deployed a version of its Iron Beam system to help the UAE counter Iranian missile and drone attacks. The laser system was previously used by Israel against Hezbollah projectiles from Lebanon and is capable of intercepting threats at short range with high precision.
Israel also sent an advanced surveillance system, ‘Spectro’, which can detect incoming drones from up to 20 kilometres away. Reports indicate that several of the systems deployed were still in prototype stages and not fully integrated into Israel’s own defence network, underscoring the urgency of the situation.A regional official described the move as a display of “the value of being Israel’s friend”. Another source familiar with the deployment said Israel rushed systems “off the bench and gave it to the Emiratis”, while a third individual remarked, “We let them into our underwear”.The UAE reportedly faced a barrage of more than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones from Iran. In response, layered air defence systems, including Israeli equipment, were activated, successfully intercepting a majority of incoming threats. Israeli personnel were also deployed to assist operations on the ground.
US clears $8.6bn arms deals for allies
Amid rising regional instability, the United States has approved military sales worth over $8.6 billion to key allies including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE, according to Al Jazeera. The deals include a $4 billion Patriot missile system sale to Qatar and nearly $1 billion in precision-guided weapons for Israel.The US State Department said the agreements aim to strengthen allied defence capabilities and support broader regional security objectives. Congress retains the authority to review the proposed sales.US President Donald Trump defended the military campaign against Iran, dismissing criticism of its effectiveness. “We get the radical left to say, ‘We’re not winning, we’re not winning.’ They don’t have any military left. It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s actually, it’s actually, I believe it’s treasonous, okay. You want to know the truth, it’s treasonous.”Trump claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened. “And Iran is getting decimated. They have no navy. They have no air force. They have no anti-aircraft equipment. They have no radar. They have no leaders; their leaders are all gone,” he said.
Deepening Israel-UAE defence ties
The deployment highlights the growing military relationship between Israel and the UAE following the Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States. The accords formally established diplomatic ties and opened the door for expanded defence and economic cooperation.Israel has previously supplied the UAE with Barak and Spyder air defence systems, but the current conflict marks the first major operational test of this partnership. A western official noted that the UAE became a primary Iranian target partly due to its “enthusiastic” embrace of the accords.The transfer of cutting-edge systems like Iron Beam reflects both the intensity of the conflict and the strategic importance of the Israel-UAE alliance in countering regional threats.
